The Russian Air Force has decided to upgrade existing aircraft rather than buy new ones due to its limited funding. About seven Su-27UBs will be modernized each year to give them a guided weapons capability. This upgrade, developed by IAPO, will provide an improved synthetic aperture radar, upgraded avionics, and color multi-function displays. Many of the elements of the upgrade come from the Su-30 program. About seven Su-30Ks each year will be upgraded to Su-30KNs. About seven Mi-8 transport and the same number of Mi-24 attack helicopters will be upgraded each year to provide the pilots with night vision equipment. The Russians expect to upgrade about 70 aircraft per year (including the above) with various improvements.--Stephen V Cole